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What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my wireless
device?
If there is a risk from these products - and at this point we do not know that there is - it is
probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you
can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount
of time spent using a wireless device will reduce RF exposure.
•"If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless device every day, you could
place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level
drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry the
wireless device away from your body or use a wireless device connected to a remote
antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless devices are harmful. But if you
are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like
those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless device use.
What about children using wireless devices?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless devices, including
children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to radio frequency
energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to children and teenagers using
wireless devices. Reducing the time of wireless device use and increasing the distance
between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be
discouraged from using wireless devices at all. For example, the government in the United
Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December 2000. They
noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless device causes brain tumors or other ill
effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless device use by children was strictly
precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless devices reduce risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless devices,
there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can be
used with wireless devices for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the
absorption of RF energy in the head because the device, which is the source of the RF
emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the device is
mounted against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the body
will absorb more RF energy. Wireless devices marketed in the U.S. are required to meet
safety requirements regardless of whether they are used against the head or against the
body. Either configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.
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